Cricket Psychology: Mal Loye – Be Mad As Hell!

Martin Perry8th August 200727th January 2016Comments Off on Cricket Psychology: Mal Loye – Be Mad As Hell!

If England were to go with twenty twenty specialists in South Africa, then Mal Loye was strongly tipped to be opening the batting. The slog sweep. Down on one knee. Over square leg for six. Getting the innings off to a flyer.

Loye, after learning of his exclusion, could no longer hold back. ‘I am so angry about the situation I am past caring. I will make a decision next week about my international future’.

It’s understandable that Loye should feel this way. But he would be wise to hold on to this anger. For as long as possible. And channel it. Channel it into his batting. Take the anger out on the county bowlers.

Aim for a level of focus beyond anything he has previously experienced. Set himself Barrier Breaking Goals – the fastest ever hundred; the most sixes in an innings; six sixes in an over; the highest ever county score; the top run scorer in the season. Motivating goals.

Anger is a very powerful motivational fuel. Wrongly channelled and it can be self-destructive. But directed wisely it can power the most unlikely outcomes. Mal Loye may not want to dwell on his international exclusion. But if he does so with the right intent, it can be the driving force for taking his game to new, never before imagined levels.